Vehicle Radar Direction Detection Adaptive Algorithm Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar apparatuses installed on vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting the directions of multiple target bodies, especially when the vehicle is stationary or moving at low speeds, due to limited antenna size and high correlation between reflected waves, which reduces direction detection resolution and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A direction detection apparatus that employs a dual-mode approach, using a null scan algorithm for high-resolution detection when the vehicle is moving and switching to a main lobe-based method when stationary or at low speeds, with the addition of a quasi-observed matrix to suppress correlation effects, allowing for accurate detection of multiple targets regardless of vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a null scan algorithm (MUSIC) is used for high-resolution direction detection, then direction detection resolution is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates when the vehicle is stationary or moving at low speeds due to high correlation between reflected waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the direction detection algorithm adaptive to vehicle speed conditions. The system dynamically switches between null scan algorithm (for high resolution when vehicle is moving) and main lobe-based method (for reliability when vehicle is stationary or moving slowly), with transition thresholds based on detected vehicle speed. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the detection method according to operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter (algorithm selection) based on vehicle speed parameter. When vehicle speed exceeds a first threshold, the null scan algorithm is used; when speed is below the threshold, the main lobe-based method is used. This parameter-based switching resolves the contradiction between resolution and reliability under different speed conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced to make the radar system compact, then device size is improved, but direction detection resolution deteriorates due to increased beam width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution (increasing antenna aperture physically) with a signal processing solution (null scan algorithm). Instead of making the antenna larger to improve resolution, the system uses sophisticated signal processing techniques to achieve high direction detection resolution with a compact antenna array, thus resolving the contradiction between system size and detection resolution.
3Device complexity
If a beam scan method (DBF) is used for direction detection, then device complexity is reduced, but direction detection resolution deteriorates due to large beam width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by conditionally selecting the detection algorithm based on vehicle speed. The system uses the simpler beam scan method when appropriate (low speed conditions) and switches to the more complex null scan algorithm when high resolution is needed (higher speed conditions). This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between algorithm simplicity and detection resolution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and high-accuracy direction detection of multiple targets without reducing the number of detectable directions, even when the vehicle is halted or moving at low speeds, by effectively managing correlation between reflected waves and utilizing a combination of algorithms and matrices.
Implementation Method 1
Radar waves transmitted from the apparatus are reflected from a target body, and respective received signals resulting from the radar waves are obtained from the antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-installed direction detection apparatus is controlled in accordance with the vehicle speed, to detect respective directions of one or more target objects by selectively applying high-resolution detection processing or low-resolution detection processing to received signals obtained from the elements of an array antenna of a radar apparatus, with the selection being determined in accordance with whether the speed attains a predetermined threshold value. The high-resolution detection processing is based on correlation between the received signals, utilizing an null scan type of algorithm such as MUSIC, while the low-resolution detection processing is based for example on digital beam forming.